A few hours before the inauguration ceremony which confirmed President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; The First Family was the topic of discussion on Sunday morning as Nigerians browsed through their copies of the Sunday 29th May edition of ThisDay Style.

The First Lady along with the President and their two children appeared on the cover of the glossy insert of ThisDay on Sunday newspaper. However, the spotlight was on the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan.

How the couple met – “We first met at the Rivers State College of Education, Port-Harcourt where I was a student. He was my biology lecturer. Later he left for the University of Port Harcourt to pursue his PhD.

We met again at the University of Port Harcourt when I went for my undergraduate degree. That was where the relationship began. He took interest in me because I was a brilliant and smart student. It was love at first sight on his part. But it never crossed my mind that it would lead to a serious relationship. My first impression of him was – this tall, dark. handsome young man – Further interaction with him revealed that he came from a good Christian home, just like I did. His humble and gentle disposition caught my attention; and most importantly, his intelligence.“

They also explored the dynamic of their relationship despite the political pinnacle which they have attained – “I still cook for my husband; you remember I went to the market the other day to buy things for myself. I was at the Utako Market to buy foodstuff and soup ingredients. This is one thing I enjoy doing. I will prefer to go to the market by myself if I have the opportunity. I cannot, because my primary role as a mother and as a wife. There are dishes that my husband prefers which only I can prepare for him.“

Her children – “First and foremost, I must let you know how much I love children. I love my children. I am very close to them. I still prepare them for school and assist them in their assignments. Remember, I am not a political appointee, so I have ample time to take care of my children and attend to their needs“

Public Speaking – “Some people see public speaking as an act or a performance. In acting or performance(s), you act or mimic someone’s style or manner of speaking. I speak naturally.

And because I speak straight from my heart, it comes naturally. While growing up, my parents encouraged sharing of views. They did not impose their views on us. They only gave us guidance. So, I found myself growing up as a free human being, free to express my views on anything at any time. And I don’t hold back my opinion when I feel strongly about anything.“

Her Non-Profit work – “I have two NGOs namely the A. Aruera Reachout Foundation and the Women for Change and Development Initiative“

The first lady also spoke about how both foundations are self sustained as illustrated by the A. Aruera Reachout Foundation which she founded while she was the First Lady of Bayelsa and it continues to operate independently today. Both foundations are audited quarterly and have a Board of Governors.

Fantastic Job by TY Bello and the stylist. Ty Bello has to be the BEST photographer in Nigeria. Kudos to the Stylist, she brought out the true essence of what a first lady of Nigeria should look like. Great job by ThisDay Style!

Wow! I must say, she really has a beautiful smile that lights up her whole persona. I mean if you hadn’t heard or watched her say her famous word, “umblerra”, you wouldn’t have guess it was her. Its either that or a wonderful job by TY Bello and adobe photoshop.

Awwwwwww I like her, she is very pretty in fact gorgeous. Anytime I see her I just start smiling. I love our 9ja mothers no be small ooo lol! I will really appreciate it if the maintain that motherly figure and not that hollywood crap that’s going on. They look smashing especially in native attire! love love love!!!

Ilove love this.read d insert and I couldn’t get enough.great stlying ,great shots.the first lady has such a beautiful smile.the picture with her husband radiates pure love.the stylist should be hired permanently.lovely outfits dat suits are stature and colour.looking forward to seeing our First lady looking this radiant.I will love to work with her as a stylist.

As a first lady in my home (lol) I had to comment on this Mrs Johnathan looks like a first lady and i like that she is engaging with the public and giving nigerians an insight into the compostition of the first family of the federal republic of nigeria as it keeps it human. Something that has never been done, but should have been the norm. I think she may just outshine Maryam Babaginda (RIP) as the best first lady we have had, if she continues to be advised properly which from the styling and photoshoot is happening. The first lady is a very important role, she is what people see when they think and see of Nigerian women, who are intelligent, savvy, pragmatic, glamorous, tough but loving and extremely influential in relation to the success of a family and nation.

I love love this,I have read d article.she looks radiant,she has such a beautiful smile,d shot with her husband radiates love,great stling ,beautiful pieces dat suits her colour and stature where used.looking forward to seeing her as beautiful and radiant.I will love to work with her as her stylist.

Correction “Umblerra”. That she mixes her R’s and L’s does not make her dumb. I know great minds who drop and pick up their H’s and O’s. Blame speech issues or mother tongue interference. She was and is a huge asset to her husband.

i third the notion, sorry, motion of hiring the stylist permanently……………………………mehnnnn…….she looks very beaurriful!!!!!………….a true image of a mother……………she should open her hair more often, makes her look years younger. plus TY bello is still da best

hey!!!!!! money is gud o!!! c hw dis woman has changed!!! i hpe her grammer to would upgrade bcos she cannot speak english 2 save her life. Let her not go n embarrass us when she goes 4 international functions! Dat being said nice pictures! n the kids are cute!!!!

looking at this pictures really really draws me closer to them. despite the stories about her speech, i think she is a beautiful, humble and free woman. you can see all this in her smiles. Her little girl looks so cute. She can make us proud. All she needs is God and the right people around her.

Oh wow! she looks really good and the picture just makes me warm up to her. Hire the stylist!!. I’d like to see one of these shoots with Gov. Fashola and His wife, Abimbola because I think they’re also a super husband and wife team. Great job with this one!

Am I the only one wondering in what form she exudes this brilliance? Cos based on her public speeches, all I’m thinking is, “he was your professor? No wonder you passed your classes.” Now I know the current government will definitely not address any issues involving improper student-professor relationships (voluntary or coerced).

This day style and everyone involved, thumbs up. Dame P is quite pretty who would have known, i certainly never noticed. i love the pic where he looks at her with love, u cant fake that. i hope she hires a stylist and a makeup artist as they are a necessity when you are in the public eye in my opinion. hopefully when she gets a copy of the paper, she’ll realize this.

beautiful . I love the 1st family pics. And she shops next door to me? Where i shop? awesome. Hoping to meet you some day soon by the Ugu sellers shop. I would be so honored to cut the ugu for you and Mr President. The Future is here people.

TY BELLO IS THE BEST! That stylist will be arrested and sent to four years compulsory national service on DAME!! NO APPEAL PLEASE. Back to biz brilliant and smart indeed, we all can testify to umblela and my fellow widow brilliance. Nice family though and nice editing work, kudos Thisday grammar editors.

That green dress oh and the black one in the link below, and the trad in the pic b4 the black one, they are all on point!! This woman is very smart! The image consultant/stylist must be paid shege, what an amazing transformation!!!

I just saw these pictures of Nigeria’s First Lady. The next time the wives of African Heads of States take a group picture, Dame Patience Jonathan must be up front and center!!!! She makes me proud! There is not enough coverage of her on the international level. There needs to be more instead of for example the first Lady of Cameroon (the one with the bleached face, the big hairdo and too much make-up.